About Charlie 

I've always had a connection with the sea and sailing, as a family we’ve spent every summer going to Cornwall. Living and sailing on one boat for lengthy periods has lent to some of the happiest (and most odd) moments of my life. During the winter, I would help with maintenance down at the boatyard.  It never dawned on me however, that sailing and looking after old vessels could be an actual career path. Naturally when the opportunity presented itself, I leapt at the chance to be able to take part.

After graduating from university, I was uncertain about which path I should pursue or what the future would hold. The next six months involved a period of job searching and short term work in primary schools and assisting a blacksmith. I knew I wanted to do something practical and hands-on, as that's how I know I work best. But I also wanted to be in a learning environment as I love broadening my understanding of the world and learning how things work/fit together; never thinking that an opportunity existed to do both these things, in one place.

I now look forward to learning the ropes of the historic vessel conservation world, learning new crafts and meeting new people. 

Latest blogs

UPDATE OCTOBER 2020 - With more bad weather this last month it seemed that my contracts extension would see me through the last of the workable conditions before winter halted most of the maintenance on the Cutty Sark...Read more

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2020 - This last month has been a particularly busy time onboard the Cutty Sark. With the last of the major jobs being carried out before the winter weather sets in...Read more

UPDATE JULY 2020 - The last few months have been focused on getting as much work done while the weather holds, and with the public back...Read more

UPDATE JUNE 2020 - Working with T.S Rigging helped improve my knowledge of how the rig on the Cutty Sark works, what lines led to where and what their role was....

UPDATE MAY 2020 - I finally managed to get the main body of my Statement of Significance for Bertha into a finished state using the many guides, blog feeds and written reports on the vessel...Read more

UPDATE APRIL 2020 - Following all my reading, I figured that maybe a more research based future role or work in a museum may suit me. This led me to join two online courses on just that....

UPDATE MARCH 2020 - Sun’s rising, warmer days, spring coming about, lovely time to be working on the ship...Read more

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2020 - Although my time here so far has gone by incredibly quickly it has been filled with learning curves and new experiences throughout...Read more

Charlie Carmen